Brown Recluse Spider Bites on Dogs

Brown recluse spiders occur throughout the United States, but are found most commonly in the Midwest and Southeast. When the spider bites a dog, venom is injected into the site. This venom has a component that destroys red blood cells and kills the surrounding tissue in dogs. These bites are rarely fatal for dogs, but in systemic cases where the dog has a poor immune response, they can cause kidney failure.

Brown recluse spiders will usually not bite unless disturbed, so curious dogs are the most likely to be bitten. Because the bite is often painless, your dog may not even know it was bitten until 2 to 3 hours later. By this time, the spider will likely have left the area. Because of this and because many things can cause deep lesions, there is often misidentification of the spider and brown recluse spider bites are often misdiagnosed.

Signs & Symptoms of Brown Recluse Spider Bites on Dogs

Symptoms are dependent on how much venom is injected into the bite site and how your dog’s body reacts to it. In a small percentage of cases, a systemic reaction may occur, usually 24 to 48 hours after the bite. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, weakness, vomiting, seizures, blood disorders, and kidney failure.

10 minutes after bite:

Constriction of capillaries around bite site

2 to 6 hours after bite:

Red, swollen area surrounding the bite site

Localized pain surrounding the bite site

Fever

Nausea

12 hours after bite:

Blister forms at bite site

7 to 10 days after bite:

Rapid cell damage surrounding the bite site

Bite site with a black center

Causes of Brown Recluse Spider Bites on Dogs

There are about fourteen Loxosceles species of brown spiders found in the United States, but the most common of these that bites domesticated dogs is the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa. The brown recluse spider typically hides indoors in dry, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, and attics. The bite of a brown recluse spider causes the blood vessels in your dog to narrow, increasing their blood pressure. The area around the bite becomes red and swollen and may form a blister. The venom will kill any cell it contacts and may form a painful crater of dead tissue within 3 to 4 days. The extent of the tissue damage is dependent on how much venom is injected into your dog at the time of the bite.

Treatment for Brown Recluse Spider Bites on Dogs

If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a brown recluse spider, these actions should be taken:

Apply an ice pack to the bite site to reduce pain and swelling.

If you see the spider, CAREFULLY try to catch it in a jar for later identification.

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Brown recluse spider bites usually take a long time to heal, and it may take 6 to 8 months to heal completely. If black necrotic tissue has formed, it may fall away and expose the muscles underneath. It is very important to keep these wounds clean to avoid infection. A sunken scar will usually develop.

Prevention of Brown Recluse Spider Bites on Dogs

Though the chance of seeing the spider is slim, being able to identify the spider that bit your dog may help get your dog the proper care faster.

The best way to prevent a brown recluse spider bite is to limit your dog’s exposure to the spider. Check old storage boxes and rarely used areas of your house for spiders, and if a brown recluse is seen, call an exterminator as soon as possible. An infestation could take as long as six months to resolve. However, there are certain measures you can take on your own, such as exclusion, sanitation, or control.

Exclusion

Seal off all windows and doors to ensure that no pests can enter

Seal cracks in your home to keep pests out

Reduce the number of other insects around your home

Make sure everything you store away is sealed tight

Sanitation

Remove unwanted items and boxes that may provide hiding spots for the pest